"We need to keep our place at the cutting edge of technology and assist our scientists to achieve the ideals of the work they have to carry out for a better South Africa, a better Africa, and a better world," she said in Pretoria.

"Our people deserve it."

The 12 new Doppler weather radars replace the country's 30-year-old radar system and will enhance, among other things, the severe weather forecast project and the flash flood guidance system which minimise the loss of life and damage to property.

The new radars and other weather infrastructure would enable much more accurate weather predictions and warnings, she said